SYDNEY – From trimming menus in staff canteens to cutting back on soap and washing detergent at worker camps, the global mining industry that once lavished perks on employees is scrimping like never before as a brutal downturn engulfs minerals markets. After frantically cutting costs by slashing jobs, freezing salaries and squeezing more from suppliers, mining companies are now scrambling to unearth savings in even the most mundane parts of their businesses.
